Title : Sony DCRTRV140 Digital8 Camcorder with 2.5" LCD, Video Light & USB Streaming
Author : Sony Digital Imaging
Release Date : 20020401
Binding : Electronics
Regular Price : $499.99
Amazon.com Price : $
(
%) VISIT AMAZON.COM'S PAGE
Editorial Reviews : The Digital8 line was conceived to provide a path to digital for current owners of 8mm or Hi8 camcorders. Unfortunately, the DCR-TRV140 can't play Hi8 and 8mm footage, as its bigger brothers up the line, like the DCR-TRV240, can. However, it is Sony's least-expensive digital camcorder, and is quite a steal for those who want to make the digital plunge. To start off, Sony put in a 20x optical zoom and paired it with SteadyShot image stabilization. Image stabilization is a handy technology that helps to eliminate the shakiness associated with high zoom levels. The only way to avoid shakiness completely is to utilize a tripod, table, or other stable surface. The 2.5-inch LCD is the best way to frame your shots, although you can use the black-and-white EVF to preserve battery life.
In addition to the normal slew of ports (IEEE 1394, S-video, mini-AV) that have made their way onto the TRV140, there's also a USB port, which, with some included software, offers some interesting functions. Specifically, it allows you to use the camcorder to capture stills, or 'broadcast live video with audio,' according to Sony, which seems to indicate you can use the TRV140 as a Webcam.
The DCR-TRV140 comes with a power adapter, InfoLithium battery, remote control, two AA batteries, A/V cable, lens cap, shoulder strap, USB cable, and software CD-ROM.
Buyer Reviews : After some browsing I was convinced to purchase this camera because of its solid technology and advanced features in a surprisingly affordable package.
The highlights are: Digital technology using Hi8/Digital8 tapes, Hi-Fi Stereo, 560x digital zoom, 20x optical zoom, USB streaming, Super Nighshot, Steady Shot, built-in light, LCD screen, and the infoLithium technology.
The camera includes a complete and detailed guide, a stereo A/V connection cable to hook up to your VCR or TV, a full featured wireless remote commander (with batteries), the NP-FM30 battery pack, a USB cable for video streaming to your PC, a shoulder strap, plus the AC power adaptor. It also includes a CD-ROM with Sony's USB drivers and Pixela's ImageMixer software for Macintosh Windows (including 2000 and XP).
I am new to this whole digital video camera world as this is my first video camera, and I can say that after just a couple of hours of use I find myself very satisfied and excited with this new investment. The main purpose of my purchase was to use it to record family events and share the family moments using my PC. Obviously one of my first tests was the digital streaming using the USB connection. I found the digital streaming very simple to use and well documented. The only gripe is the bundled Pixela ImageMixer software. It didn't work quite as expected and I had to resort to MS MovieMaker, which incidentally works excellently with this camera. I own a PC clone with Windows XP Pro and I couldn't find any glitches or incompatibilities here. You can record your pictures using various levels of quality; in high quality mode the USB performed quite well, although not quite comparable to streaming directly to a TV or VCR. The available option of using an I-Link, IEEE 1394 cable (not included) should provide a faster data transport (100-400 Mbps) and a better streaming experience, but I am currently unable to test this feature.
The camera can also be used for still pictures, with capacity for more than 550 pictures using one tape. This is a fantastic feature, plus the still pictures may be combined with your videos at the same time. Later on you can use the built-in search functionality to easily obtain and view (or transfer) your stills.
Additional nice features include: * Fader effects * Digital effects such as Still, Flash, Luminance key,Trail, Slow shutter and Old-movie * Auto Exposure - these are preprogrammed modes used for different shooting conditions * Interval recording - The camcorder automatically records and standbys * Cut recording * Zooming during playback * Scene search by date, photo search * Digital video editing Overall, this is a very affordable, easy-to-use, full-featured video equipment and that is why I highly recommend it.
Pros: Affordable Digital technology, ease of use, many advanced features, great documentation Cons: Camera is a little heavy and big compared to recent models, poor software
(by Carlos Santiago)
Features/Technical Specs : * Digital8 camcorder * 20x optical, 560x digital, zoom with image stabilization * 2.5 inch color LCD and black and white EVF * Features a digital photo mode * Comes with NightShot mode and digital faders and effects
